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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 1
S-1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 1
S-2 Project Area..................................................................................................... 3
S-3 Proposed Action.............................................................................................. 3
S-4 Purpose and Need.......................................................................................... 8
S-5 Other Governmental Major Proposed Actions............................................... 11
S-6 Reasonable Alternatives Considered............................................................ 13
S-7 Build Alternative Development Process ........................................................ 14
S-8 Environmental Consequences....................................................................... 16
S-9 Areas of Controversy..................................................................................... 16
S-10 Major Unresolved Issues with Other Agencies.............................................. 17
S-11 Federal Actions Required for the Project....................................................... 17

1.0 Purpose and Need...................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Project Area Description...............................................................................1-2
1.3 Project History..............................................................................................1-2
1.4 Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action..................................................1-7
1.5 Purpose and Need Summary.....................................................................1-14


2.0 Alternatives ................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Alternatives Evaluated in the DEIS ..............................................................2-1
2.3 Build Alternatives Development Process....................................................2-21
2.4 Alternatives Considered and Dismissed from Further Consideration.........2-29
2.5 Logical Termini and Independent Utility.....................................................2-32
2.6 Other Projects ............................................................................................2-34

3.0 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Land Use..................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Community Cohesion and Facilities.......................................................... 3-14
3.3 Environmental J ustice............................................................................... 3-26
3.4 Economy and Employment ....................................................................... 3-29
3.5 Air Quality.................................................................................................. 3-30
3.6 Noise......................................................................................................... 3-38
3.7 Water Quality............................................................................................. 3-44
3.8 Wetlands ................................................................................................... 3-49
3.9 Wildlife and Habitats.................................................................................. 3-50
3.10 Floodplains................................................................................................ 3-58
3.11 Geology, Topography, and Soils............................................................... 3-59
3.12 Cultural Resources.................................................................................... 3-63
3.13 Hazardous Materials ................................................................................. 3-76

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3.14 Visual Quality ............................................................................................ 3-83
3.15 Pedestrian and Bicycle Systems ............................................................... 3-97
3.16 Transportation and Traffic ....................................................................... 3-102

4.0 Environmental Consequences .................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Land Use......................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Community Cohesion and Facilities.............................................................4-9
4.3 Environmental J ustice................................................................................4-14
4.4 Economy and Employment ........................................................................4-22
4.5 Air Quality...................................................................................................4-28
4.6 Noise..........................................................................................................4-42
4.7 Water Quality..............................................................................................4-50
4.8 Wetlands ....................................................................................................4-58
4.9 Wildlife and Habitats...................................................................................4-59
4.10 Floodplains.................................................................................................4-62
4.11 Geology, Topography, and Soils................................................................4-64
4.12 Cultural Resources.....................................................................................4-65
4.13 Hazardous Materials ..................................................................................4-80
4.14 Visual Quality .............................................................................................4-86
4.15 Pedestrian and Bicycle Systems ..............................................................4-111
4.16 Transportation and Traffic ........................................................................4-114
4.17 Energy......................................................................................................4-125
4.18 Cumulative Impacts..................................................................................4-127
4.19 Indirect Impacts........................................................................................4-141
4.20 The Relationship between Local Short-term Uses of the Environment
and theMaintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity..........4-143
4.21 Permits and Consultations .......................................................................4-143
4.22 Construction Impacts................................................................................4-145
4.23 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources that would
be Involved in the Proposed Action..........................................................4-161

5.0 Section 4(f) Evaluation............................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Proposed Action ..........................................................................................5-4
5.2 Administrative Background ..........................................................................5-4
5.3 Purpose and Need ......................................................................................5-5
5.4 Section 4(f) Resources ................................................................................5-9
5.5 Alternatives Analysis .................................................................................5-17
5.6 Impacts on Section 4(f) Resources ...........................................................5-27
5.7 Section 4(f) Avoidance Alternatives............................................................5-39
5.7 Analysis of Least Harm ..............................................................................5-44
5.8 measures to Minimize Harm ......................................................................5-47
5.9 Coordination ..............................................................................................5-52

6.0 List of Preparers ......................................................................................... 6-1

7.0 Distribution List .......................................................................................... 7-1


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8.0 Comments and Coordination .................................................................... 8-1
8.1 Public Coordination......................................................................................8-1
8.2 Agency Coordination....................................................................................8-7
8.3 Section 106 Coordination...........................................................................8-17
8.4 Future Public Involvement and Agency Coordination.................................8-18

9.0 Index ............................................................................................................ 9.1


List of Tables

Table S-1: Summary of the Environmental Impacts of the No Build Alternative and
Build Alternatives 1 and 2........................................................................ 20
Table S-2: South Capitol Street Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Section 4(f)
Evaluation Proposed Mitigation and Minimization Measures .................. 26
Table 1-1: Number of Accidents and Injuries in the South Capitol Street
Corridor between J anuary 2000 and December 2004............................... 1-8
Table 1-2: Population and Employment Forecast.......................................................1-14
Table 2-1: Elements of the Build Alternatives..........................................................2-5
Table 2-2: Cost Comparison of Build Alternatives...................................................2-8
Table 2-3: Comparison of Build Alternatives .........................................................2-24
Table 2-4: Design Features for the New Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.....2-26
Table 3-1: Other Land Use Plans in the Project Area..............................................3-7
Table 3-2: Zoning Code Descriptions ....................................................................3-11
Table 3-3: Number of Housing Units .....................................................................3-16
Table 3-4: Places of Worship.................................................................................3-17
Table 3-5: Schools.................................................................................................3-18
Table 3-6: Primary Care Facilities .........................................................................3-18
Table 3-7: Local Government Facility....................................................................3-18
Table 3-8: Human Service Providers.....................................................................3-20
Table 3-9: Public Recreation Facilities ..................................................................3-21
Table 3-10: Census 2000 Population by Race and Hispanic Origins......................3-24
Table 3-11: Census 2000 Population by Age..........................................................3-24
Table 3-12: 2000 Income Measures and Persons Living Below the
Poverty Level........................................................................................3-24
Table 3-13: Housing Value/Homeownership Rate...................................................3-26
Table 3-14: Environmental J ustice Thresholds........................................................3-27
Table 3-15: Minority Population...............................................................................3-28
Table 3-16: Number of Census Blocks Meeting Environmental J ustice
Thresholds............................................................................................3-29
Table 3-17: J obs in the Project Area .......................................................................3-29
Table 3-18: Real Estate Construction Under Way and Planned in Project Area.....3-30
Table 3-19: National Ambient Air Quality Standards ...............................................3-31
Table 3-20: Air Quality Monitoring Locations...........................................................3-35
Table 3-21: FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria [Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level-
decibels (dBA)].....................................................................................3-38
Table 3-22: Noise Monitoring Results......................................................................3-43

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Table 3-23: Classification of Water and Designated Use of the Anacostia River
as Defined by District of Columbia Water Quality Standards ..............3-45
Table 3-24: Soils Within the Project Area................................................................3-60
Table 3-25: Cultural Sources within the Project Area..............................................3-66
Table 3-26: Archaeological Sites in the Project Area ..............................................3-74
Table 3-27: Properties Designated as Risk Sites ....................................................3-79
Table 3-28: Existing Daily Volumes in Project Area (2002)...................................3-107
Table 3-29: Twelve-Hour Volume Count (6:00AM - 6:00PM) (2005).....................3-107
Table 3-30: Percentage of Truck Traffic in the South Capitol Street Corridor .......3-108
Table 3-31: Existing Levels of Service at Project Area Intersections ....................3-110
Table 3-32: Queue Lengths at Project Area Intersections.....................................3-113
Table 3-33: Number of Accidents and Injuries within the South Capitol
Street Corridor....................................................................................3-114
Table 3-34: Types of Collisions within the South Capitol Street Corridor..............3-115
Table 3-35: Accident Severity Rates for the South Capitol Street Corridor...........3-116
Table 3-36: Metrorail Statistics ..............................................................................3-117
Table 3-37: Metrobus Statistics .............................................................................3-119
Table 3-38: Existing Parking Supply......................................................................3-121
Table 4-1: Right of Way Requirements for Build Alternative 1................................4-2
Table 4-2: Right of Way Requirements for Build Alternative 2................................4-6
Table 4-3: Recently Completed Projects ...............................................................4-23
Table 4-4: Proposed Developments ......................................................................4-25
Table 4-5: Projects Under Construction.................................................................4-26
Table 4-6: Project Level Emission Burden Assessment........................................4-29
Table 4-7: Regional VMT Comparison..................................................................4-30
Table 4-8: Predicted Worst-Case One-Hour 2015 CO Concentrations (ppm).......4-35
Table 4-9: Predicted Worst-Case One-Hour 2030 CO Concentrations (ppm).......4-36
Table 4-10: Predicted Worst-Case Eight-Hour CO Concentrations (ppm) ..............4-37
Table 4-11: AM Peak Hour Noise Levels 2030 No Build Conditions vs.
Existing 2006 Conditions......................................................................4-43
Table 4-12: PM Peak Hour Noise Levels 2030 No Build Conditions vs.
Existing 2006 Conditions......................................................................4-44
Table 4-13: AM Peak Hour Noise Levels 2030 Build Alternative 1 Conditions vs.
Existing 2006 Conditions......................................................................4-45
Table 4-14: PM Peak Hour Noise Levels 2030 Build Alternative 1 Conditions vs.
Existing 2006 Conditions......................................................................4-46
Table 4-15: AM Peak Hour Noise Levels 2030 Build Alternative 2 Conditions vs.
Existing 2006 Conditions......................................................................4-47
Table 4-16: PM Peak Hour Noise Levels 2030 Build Alternative 2 Conditions vs
Existing 2006 Conditions......................................................................4-48
Table 4-17: Design Features of the Four Bridge Types Proposed for the
Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. ..................................................4-53
Table 4-18: Historic Resources Summary of Individual Effects...............................4-70
Table 4-19: Hazardous Materials Sites....................................................................4-81
Table 4-20: Visual Quality Rating for Landscape Units in the Project Area.............4-88
Table 4-21: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #1, Sub Area #1
Key Views.............................................................................................4-89

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Table 4-22: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #1, Sub Area #2
Key Views.............................................................................................4-91
Table 4-23: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #1, Sub Area #3
Key Views.............................................................................................4-93
Table 4-24: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #2 - Frederick Douglass
Memorial Bridge Key Views..................................................................4-94
Table 4-25: Bridge Profiles ......................................................................................4-95
Table 4-26: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #3 -
South Capitol Street, SE Key Views...................................................4-101
Table 4-27: Visual Quality Ratings for 4.21.2.3.Landscape Unit #4 -
Suitland Avenue Parkway, SE Key Views..........................................4-102
Table 4-28: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #5 -
Howard Road, SE Key Views.............................................................4-104
Table 4-29: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #6 -
Martin Luther King, J r. Avenue, SE Key Views ..................................4-106
Table 4-30: Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #7 -
Anacostia Park Key Views..................................................................4-108
Table 4-31. Visual Quality Ratings for Landscape Unit #8
New J ersey Avenue, SE Key Views...................................................4-110
Table 4-32: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities and Streetscape
Features Common to Build Alternatives 1 and 2...............................4-111
Table 4-33: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities and Streetscape
Design Differences Between Build Alternatives 1 and 2..................4-113
Table 4-34: Average Daily Traffic Volumes ...........................................................4-117
Table 4-35: 2030 Average Delay per Vehicle (seconds) and
Level of Service (LOS) at Project Area Intersections .........................4-120
Table 4-36: 2030 Travel Time Comparisons (in Minutes)......................................4-123
Table 4-37: Five Year (2000-2004) Accident History.............................................4-124
Table 4-38: 2030 Direct Energy Consumption.......................................................4-125
Table 4-39: Indirect Construction Energy Consumption........................................4-126
Table 4-40: Indirect and Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action
and Past, Present and Future Actions within the Study Area.............4-131
Table 4-41: Typical Roadway Construction Equipment Noise Levels - dBA.........4-152
Table 5-1: Analysis of Section 4 (f) Impacts ..........................................................5-28
Table 5-2: Application of Section 4(f) Feasible and Prudent Standards................5-42
Table 5-3: Section 4(f) Analysis Summary............................................................5-45
Table 5-4: Agency Coordination Summary by Date and Activity...........................5-53
Table 8-1: Public Involvement Activities during the Early Planning of the South
CapitolStreet Project...............................................................................8-1
Table 8-2: Public Involvement Activities ..................................................................8-4
Table 8-3: Summary of Public Scoping Meetings....................................................8-5
Table 8-4: Design Workshop 1 Comments on the Preliminary Build
Alternatives...........................................................................................8-10
Table 8-5: Design Workshop 2 Comments............................................................8-11
Table 8-6: Cooperating and Participating Agencies ..............................................8-13
Table 8-7: Stakeholder and Agency Coordination Summary by Date and Activity8-14


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List of Figures


Figure S-1: Project Area............................................................................................... 4
Figure S-2: Build Alternative 1...................................................................................... 5
Figure S-3: Build Alternative 2...................................................................................... 6
Figure S-4: Alternative Development Process ........................................................... 15
Figure 1-1: Project Area............................................................................................1-3
Figure 1-2: South Capitol Street Planning Efforts.....................................................1-5
Figure 2-1: Build Alternative 1...................................................................................2-2
Figure 2-2: Build Alternative 2...................................................................................2-3
Figure 2-3: Overall Streetscape Concept Plan.......................................................2-14
Figure 2-4: South Capitol Street Streetscape Concept...........................................2-15
Figure 2-5: New J ersey Avenue SE Streetscape Design between
SE-SW Freeway and M Street ............................................................2-17
Figure 2-6: Suitland Parkway Streetscape Design.................................................2-19
Figure 2-7: Proposed Bicycle Routes .....................................................................2-20
Figure 2-8: Alternative Development Process ........................................................2-23
Figure 2-9: Anacostia Waterfront Transportation Master Plan................................2-36
Figure 3-1: Existing Land Use...................................................................................3-2
Figure 3-2: Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Clusters ..........................................3-6
Figure 3-3: Land Use Zones .....................................................................................3-9
Figure 3-4: Overlay Zones ......................................................................................3-10
Figure 3-5: Community Facilities ............................................................................3-19
Figure 3-6: Census Block Groups...........................................................................3-25
Figure 3-7: Air Quality Monitoring Locations...........................................................3-36
Figure 3-8: Sound Pressure and Sound Pressure Levels.......................................3-40
Figure 3-9: Noise Monitoring & Prediction Locations..............................................3-41
Figure 3-10: Surface Waters and Wetlands..............................................................3-46
Figure 3-11: Specimen Trees ...................................................................................3-54
Figure 3-12: Soils within the Project Area.................................................................3-62
Figure 3-13: National Register Historic Places Listed Properties .............................3-65
Figure 3-14: Location of Designated Risk Sites........................................................3-82
Figure 3-15: Landscape Units...................................................................................3-84
Figure 3-16: Bicycle Routes....................................................................................3-101
Figure 3-17: Existing Roadway Network with Functional Classifications................3-103
Figure 3-18: Levels of Service West of the Anacostia River...................................3-111
Figure 3-19: Level of Service East of the Anacostia River......................................3-112
Figure 3-20 Transit Facilities in Project Area (Metrorail lines and
Metrobus routes) ................................................................................3-118
Figure 4-1: Existing Land Uses of Build Alternative 1...............................................4-3
Figure 4-2: Right of Way Requirements for Build Alternative 1................................4-4
Figure 4-3: Existing Land Uses of Build Alternative 2...............................................4-7
Figure 4-4: Right of Way Requirements for Build Alternative 2................................4-8
Figure 4-5: Air Quality Analysis Sites......................................................................4-33
Figure 4-6: Wetlands, Floodplains, and Surface Waters Build Alternative 1..........4-51

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Figure 4-7: Wetlands, Floodplains, and Surface Waters Build Alternative 2..........4-52
Figure 4-8: Location of Cultural Resources in Relation to Build Alternative 1........4-66
Figure 4-9: Location of Cultural Resources in Relation to Build Alternative 2........4-67
Figure 4-10: Location of Hazardous Materiaals Sites in Relation to
Build Alternative 1.................................................................................4-83
Figure 4-11: Build Alternative 2.................................................................................4-84
Figure 4-12: South Capitol Street at M Street...........................................................4-92
Figure 4-13: Rendering of Cable Stayed Swing Bridge............................................4-96
Figure 4-14: Rendering of Stayed Bascule Bridge....................................................4-97
Figure 4-15: Rendering of Arched Bascule Bridge ...................................................4-99
Figure 4-16: Rendering of Retractile Bridge ...........................................................4-100
Figure 4-17: Howard Road (Existing, Build Alternatives 1 and 2)...........................4-105
Figure 4-18: Martin Luther King, J r. Avenue SE .....................................................4-107
Figure 4-19: Martin Luther King, J r. Avenue Bridge over Suitland Parkway
(Existing, Build Alternative 1, Build Alternative 2)...............................4-109
Figure 4-20: Existing and Future Travel Patterns ...................................................4-117
Figure 4-21: Project Area Intersections for Traffic Analysis....................................4-119
Figure 4-22: Indirect and Cumulative Effects Study Area Boundary.......................4-129
Figure 5-1: Study Area Map......................................................................................5-2
Figure 5-2: Section 4(f) Resources...........................................................................5-3
Figure 5-3: Suitland Parkway..................................................................................5-11
Figure 5-4: Existing Elements of the City of Washington Plan................................5-12
Figure 5-5: Anacostia Park.....................................................................................5-14
Figure 5-6: Garfield Park.........................................................................................5-16
Figure 5-7: Build Alternative 1.................................................................................5-24
Figure 5-8: Build Alternative 2.................................................................................5-25
Figure 5-9: Suitland Parkway Landscape, Traffic and Roadway Improvements
(Build Alternative 1) ..............................................................................5-30
Figure 5-10: Suitland Parkway between Firth Sterling Avenue and Howard Road...5-32
Figure 5-11: Suitland Parkway Landscape, Traffic and Roadway Improvements
(Build Alternative 2) ..............................................................................5-34
Figure 5-12: South Capitol Streetscape Concept .....................................................5-37
Figure 5-13: Suitland Parkway at Martin Luther King, J r. Avenue............................5-48
Figure 5-14: Suitland Parkway at Martin Luther King, J r. Avenue
(Build Alternative 2) ..............................................................................5-49





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Appendices

Appendix 1: Comments & Coordination
1.1: Notice of Intent
1.2: Public Comments
1.3: Agency Comments
1.4: Summary of Agency Comments
Appendix 2: References
Appendix 3: Index of Technical Reports
Appendix 4: Build Alternative Concept Plans


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Acronyms
AASHTO
American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials
ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADT Average Daily Traffic
AEDC Anacostia Economic Development Corporation
AFB Air force base
AME African Methodist Episcopal (Church)
ANC Advisory Neighborhood Commission
APE Area of Potential Effect
AWI Anacostia Waterfront Initiative
AWC Anacostia Waterfront Corporation
AWRC Anacostia Watershed Restoration Commission
BA Biological Assessment
BMP Best Management Practice
BZA Board of Zoning Adjustment
CAA Clean Air Act
CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments
CEQ Council on Environmental Quality
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act
CERCLIS
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Information System
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CLRP Constrained Long-Range Plan
CR County Road
CWA Clean Water Act

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CWSP Citywide Strategic Plan
DC District of Columbia
DCDHP District of Columbia Department of Historic Preservation
DCOP District of Columbia Office of Planning
DCRA Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
DDOE District of Columbia Department of Environment
DDOH District Department of Health
DDOT District Department of Transportation
DCOZ District of Columbia Office of Zoning
DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement
DIA Defense Intelligence Agency
DOD (US) Department of Defense
DPR District Department of Parks and Recreation
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EJ Environmental J ustice
EO Executive Order
ESA Environmental Site Assessment
FAR Floor Area Ratio
FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FPPA Farmland Protection Policy Act
FY Fiscal Year
GIS Geographic Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
GSA General Services Administration
HABS Historic American Building Survey


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HAER Historic American Engineering Record
HBRR Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program
HCM Highway Capacity Manual
HOV High-Occupancy Vehicle
ICPRB Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin
LID Low Impact Development
LOS Level of Service
LTCP Long Term Control Plan
MOA Memorandum of Agreement
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization
MSAT Mobile Surface Area Toxics
MTA Maryland Transit Administration
MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
MWAQC Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee
MWCOG Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAC Noise Abatement Criteria
NCDB National Compliance Data Base
NCPC National Capital Planning Commission
NDW Naval District Washington
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NFRAP No Further Remedial Action Planned
NHL National Historic Landmark
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act
NHS National Highway System
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service

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NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOI Notice of Intent
NPL National Priority List
NPS National Park Service
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRHP National Register of Historic Places
NWI National Wetland Inventory
OP District of Columbia Office of Planning
PA Programmatic Agreement
PB PB Americas, formerly Parsons Brinckerhoff
PBQD Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas
PCS Permit Compliance System
PDEIS Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement
PEPCO Potomac Electric Power Company
PESA Preliminary Environmental Site Assessment
PSA Police Service Areas
PRTC Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission
ROD Record of Decision
SE Southeast
SEFC Southeast Federal Center
SHPO State Historic Preservation Office
SIP State Implementation Plan
SNAP Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan
SW Southwest
TDM Transportation Demand Management
TIP Transportation Improvement Program
TNM Traffic Noise Model


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TPB Transportation Planning Board
TRAC Transportation Review Advisory Council
TSM Transportation System Management
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USACOE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USC United States Code
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USDHHS United States Department of Health and Human Services
USDOI United States Department of the Interior
USDOT United States Department of Transportation
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
USFWS United State Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
UST Underground Storage Tank
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
WASA Water and Sewer Authority (District of Columbia)
WMATA Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
WQS Water Quality Standards



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Glossary of Terms
A
Access, Accessibility: The opportunity to easily reach a destination without being
impeded by physical, social or economic barriers. Typically, accessibility is the extent to
which transportation improvements make connections between geographic areas or
portions of the region that were not previously well connected.
Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP): An independent federal agency
responsible for the federal review process to ensure that cultural resources are
considered during federal project planning and implementation.
Affected Environment: The physical features, land, area or areas to be influenced,
affected or created by a transportation improvement under consideration; also includes
various social and environmental factors and conditions pertinent to an area.
Agency Coordination: Refers to the process whereby the Department of
Transportation contacts, consults and maintains communication with various public and
environmental resource agencies, affording such agencies an opportunity to review and
comment upon specific transportation proposals.
Agreements (Programmatic): Agreement between agencies designed to accomplish
all agency goals, including timely and efficient coordination. Establishment of a
procedure that will reduce processing time for certain federal actions with minor impacts
on the human and natural environment.
Alternative: One of a number of specific transportation improvement proposals,
alignments, options, design choices, etc. in a study. Following detailed analysis, one
improvement alternative is chosen for implementation.
Area of Potential Effect (APE): The geographical area or areas within which an
undertaking may cause changes in the character or use of historic properties, if any such
properties exist. The APE is influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking and
may be different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.
Archaeological Investigations: Studies of prehistoric and historic locales which
provide understanding of past human behavior, culture change, and related topics
through scientific and scholarly techniques such as literature research, excavation,
analysis and interpretation. Current US archeological practice defines three phases of
investigation: Phase I identification survey (this is sometimes divided into Phase I(a),
which is primarily limited to background archival research, and Phase I(b), which
includes actual field survey; Phase II evaluation investigations, which include a more
intensive excavation to determine if a site meets the eligibility criterion for the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); and Phase III data recovery excavations to
mitigate the loss of archeological data when a NRHP eligible site cannot be avoided.

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Arterial: A class of street serving major through traffic movements emphasizing a high
level of mobility. These streets serve moderate to long trips and major activity centers.
Arterials include interstates, freeways/expressways, urban principal arterials, and minor
arterials.
Average Daily Traffic (ADT): The average number of vehicles passing a fixed point in a
24-hour time frame. A way to measure traffic volume.
B
Bascule Bridge: A bascule bridge or drawbridge is the most often constructed type of
movable bridge. The movable span opens vertically by rotating upwards about a
horizontal axis. It is designed with a counterweight that balances the span throughout
the entire upward swing.
Base Year: The lead off year of data used in a study, usually the current year or a year
with the most recent comprehensive data.
Bicycle Lane: Bicycle lanes on a roadway are for the exclusive use of bicycles and are
marked accordingly. They are typically one-way facilities designed to carry bike traffic in
the same direction as adjacent motor vehicle traffic. A minimum bicycle lane width is
generally four feet.
Build/No Build: Often called the base case, the No Build Alternative includes all routine
maintenance safety improvements and projects listed in the most recent Constrained
Long Range Transportation Plan for the Washington region adopted by the Metropolitan
Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board. The schedule of
improvements covers a 25-year period. This alternative serves as the basis for
comparison to all other Build Alternatives. Build Alternatives are alternatives that are
developed at the concept level for analysis purposes that meet the project purpose and
need and have the potential to be constructed.
C
Capacity: Usually the maximum number of vehicles and/or people that can be carried
past a point on a transportation system in a specified time, at a specified level of service
(LOS).
Center-ramp Interchange: A connection between two roadways provided by grade-
separated, one-way ramps located in the center of the major roadway. The ramps
connection to the major roadway is free-flow and accessed from the leftmost lane. A
signalized intersection controls access from the crossroad to the ramps leading to the
major roadway. The design attempts to minimize construction costs and property
impacts by building ramps within the roadway medians.
Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAAs): Federal legislation passed in 1990 to change
both federal and state approaches to regulating air quality; mandating programs to curb


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acid rain, urban air pollution, and toxic air emissions. The CAAAs call for emission
reduction measures in air quality nonattainment areas, including the consideration of
transportation control measures (TCMs) as part of transportation improvement projects.
Projects in nonattainment areas may not increase the number of vehicle miles traveled
(VMTs); the number of cars on the roadways must be reduced by encouraging drivers to
use mass transit, ridesharing, and carpooling.
Clean Water Act (CWA): Recognizing the potential for continued or accelerated
degradation of the Nations waters, the US Congress enacted the Clean Water Act
formerly known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 USC 1344). The objective
of the Clean Water Act is to maintain and restore the chemical, physical, and biological
integrity of the waters of the United States. Section 404 of the Act authorizes the
Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to issue permits for the
discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands.
Collector: A road that collects and distributes traffic. Sometimes built next to an
expressway to collect traffic from the area and then funnel it onto the expressway.
Generally fewer lanes than an arterial.
Comprehensive Plan: The general, inclusive long-range statement of the future
development of a community. The plan is typically a map accompanied by description
and supplemented by policy statements that direct future capital improvements in an
area.
Conceptual Mitigation: The early, generalized identification of design, operational or
construction measures that would minimize or avoid anticipated adverse environmental
consequences.
Conformity: The process to assess the compliance of any transportation plan, program,
or project with air quality control plans. The conformity process, carried out at the
regional level, is defined by the Clean Air Act and related amendments.
Constraints: More commonly described as environmental features. Significant
resources, facilities or other features of a project area located in or adjacent to an
existing or proposed transportation corridor that serve to restrain, restrict, or prevent the
ready implementation of proposed transportation improvements in a given area; may
include natural or physical resources, important structures, manner of payment, and
various administrative requirements which must be met.
Consulting Party: The participants included in the consultation on historic properties
during the Section 106 review process. For highway projects, consulting parties always
include the Department of Transportation and the State Historic Preservation Officer,
local governments, representatives of Indian tribes, and may include others such as
affected land-owners and other interested parties.
Cooperating Agency: As defined in the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental

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Policy Act (NEPA), any organization other than a lead agency which has jurisdiction by
law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in...[a] major
federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. CEQ
emphasizes that agency cooperation should begin early in the NEPA process.
Council of Environmental Quality Regulations (CEQ): Directives issued by the
Federal Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1500:1508) that govern the
development and issuance of environmental policy and procedures for federal aid
actions by public agencies. The regulations contain definitions, spell out applicability and
responsibilities, and mandate certain processes and procedures to be followed by state
agencies that administer federally funded programs.
Cumulative Impact: The impact on the environment which results from the incremental
impact of a transportation project when added to other past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other
actions.
D
Design Concept: In a major investment study, the type of facility (i.e. freeway, arterial,
local road, etc.) being considered. Also see scope.
Design Criteria: Established local, state, and national standards and procedures that
guide the establishment of roadway layouts, alignments, geometry, and dimensions for
specified types of roadways in certain defined conditions. The principal design criteria for
roadways are traffic volume, design speed, functional classification, the physical
characteristics of vehicles, the classification of vehicles, and the percentage of various
vehicle classification types that use the roadway.
Design Exception: An approval issued by a state or federal agency to permit certain
deviation from a specified, accepted design criteria granted on the basis of a report
explaining the need for the exception and the consequences that will result from the
action.
Determination of Effect: A finding made by Departments of Transportation for federal
actions, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (and the Advisory
Council for Historic Preservation), which determines whether a proposed project affects
a property included on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Determination of Eligibility: The process of assembling documentation to render
professional evaluation of the historical significance of a property. Departments of
Transportation, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer apply National
Register of Historic Places criteria when deciding matters of historical significance.
Direct Effects: Influences or occurrences caused by a given action and occurring at the
same time as the action. Changes in noise levels, traffic volumes, or visual conditions
are some examples of direct effects generated by transportation improvements.


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E
Environmental: In a scientific context, a combination of external or extrinsic conditions
present in nature. In a planning context, a category of analytical studies of aesthetic
values, ecological resources, cultural resources, sociological and economic conditions,
etc.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Report that evaluates the economic, social,
and environmental effects of a proposed major transportation project for which federal
funding is being sought. Impacts could include air, water, or noise pollution; natural
resources; employment effects; displacement of people or businesses; or community or
regional growth impacts.
Environmental Justice: Efforts to avoid disproportionately high and adverse impacts on
minority and low-income populations with respect to human health and the environment.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA is the federal source agency of air
quality control regulations affecting transportation.
Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): An environmental study conducted to assess
the potential for contamination of a property or parcel with hazardous substances. The
process by which a person or entity seeks to determine if a particular parcel of real
property (including improvements) has been impacted by hazardous substances and/or
petroleum products.
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan: A detailed plan developed to minimize
accelerated erosion and prevent sedimentation damage.
Expressway: A divided highway facility with partial control of access and two or more
lanes for the exclusive use of through traffic in each direction; includes grade
separations at most major intersections.
F
Federal Action: A highway or transit project proposed by the Federal Highway
Administration or Federal Transit Administration, using federal funding. It also includes
actions such as joint and multiple use permits, other federal permits and approvals,
changes in access control, etc., which may or may not involve a commitment of federal
funds.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): An agency of the US Department of
Transportation responsible for carrying out federal highway and transportation mandates
through a network of several regional offices and Division Offices in each state.
Field Review: A site visit conducted to gather or verify data, define scopes of work,
perform analyses, and make decisions for specific projects.

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Final Design: The development of detailed working drawings, specifications, and
estimates for transportation projects. Final Design follows the receipt of necessary
design and/or environmental approval and it includes right-of-way acquisition, utility
relocation, and contract advertisement and award.
Freeway: A divided highway facility with full control of access and two or more lanes for
the exclusive use of through traffic in each direction. See Expressway.
Functional Classification: A method of cataloging a roads purpose and design. Roads
are classified as Interstates, Freeways / Expressways, Arterials, Collectors, and local
roads.
G
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Technology designed to capture, store,
manage, manipulate, analyze and display geographically referenced data.
Geometric Design: Pertains to those engineering activities involving standards and
procedures for establishing the horizontal and vertical alignment and dimensions of
slopes of a highway. It includes engineering work involved with proportioning the visible
elements of a facility, tailoring the highway to the terrain, the controls of environmental
and land space usage, and the requirements of the highway user, individually and
collectively.
Grade Separation: A geometric difference in elevation between two or
more overlapping and/or intersecting roadways.

H
Headwaters: Non-tidal rivers, streams, and their lakes and impoundments, including
adjacent wetlands, that are part of a surface tributary system to an interstate or
navigable water of the United States upstream of the point on the river or stream at
which the average annual flow is less than five cubic feet per second. The US Corps of
Engineers may estimate this point from available data by using the mean annual area
precipitation, area drainage basin maps, and the average runoff coefficient, or by similar
means. For streams that are dry for long periods of the year, the US Army Corps of
Engineers may establish the point where headwaters begin as that point on the stream
where a flow of five cubic feet per second is equaled or exceeded 50 percent of the time.
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs): Typically, vehicles carrying two or more people.
The number that constitutes an HOV for the purpose of HOV highway lanes may be
designated differently by the sponsoring transportation agencies.
Highway: Term used to describe higher capacity roads; also includes rights of way,
bridges, railroad crossings, tunnels, drainage structures, signs, guardrails, and protective
structures in connection with highways.


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History/Architecture Investigations: Studies that result in identification of resources
(buildings, structures and sites) constructed over 50 years ago or of recent construction
and demonstrably significant based on National Register of Historic Places guidelines,
via literature research, photo documentation, analysis, and interpretation.
Home Based Work Trip: A trip to or from home for the purpose of ones employment.
Human Environment: Human environment shall be interpreted comprehensively to
include the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that
environment. This means that economic or social effects are not intended by themselves
to require preparation of an environmental impact statement. When an environmental
impact statement is prepared and economic or social and natural or physical
environmental effects are interrelated, then the environmental impact statement will
discuss all of these effects on the human environment.
I
Identification of Alternatives: The Department of Transportations engineering and
environmental evaluations, in which the Department identifies and chooses an initial set
of study alternatives that address the stated program objectives and the project need,
and which are sensitive to the resources and land uses of a project area. The process
involves a wide variety of possible options, assessing the merits and drawbacks, and
choosing those that should be carried forward. Alternatives to be studied normally
include the No Build or no action alternative, an upgrading of the existing roadway
alternative, new transportation routes and locations, transportation systems
management strategies, multi-modal alternatives if warranted, and any combination of
the above.
Impacts: Positive or negative effects upon the natural or human environment resulting
from transportation projects.
Indirect Effects: Impacts that can be expected to result from a given action that occurs
later in time or further removed in distance; for example, induced changes to land use
patterns, population density or growth rate.
Infrastructure: A term connoting the physical underpinnings of society at large,
including, but not limited to, roads, bridges, transit, water and waste systems, public
housing, sidewalks, utility installations, parks, public buildings and communications
networks.
Interested Community: A compilation of the names and addresses of persons or
groups affected by or interested in a specific transportation project. This information is
gathered and maintained by Department of Transportation officials or local planning
agencies during the course of transportation project studies.
Interstate System: The system of highways that connects the principal metropolitan
areas, cities, and industrial centers of the United States. The Interstate System also

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connects the United States to internationally significant routes in Mexico and Canada.
The routes of the Interstate System are selected jointly by the state department of
transportation for each state and the adjoining states, subject to the approval of the
United States Secretary of Transportation.
Jurisdictional Determination (JD): A site survey or document review performed by the
United States Army Corps of Engineers to officially determine whether or not a given
parcel of land is subject to regulation as waters of the United States, and if so, the extent
of the area. This is generally applied to wetlands, but may also be used to determine
jurisdictional issues with respect to headwater streams, ditches, and similar areas.
K
Keeper of the National Register (Keeper): The official responsible for the
administration of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) within the National
Park Service. One duty of the Keeper is to provide a formal determination of eligibility on
cultural resources submitted when there is disagreement between the federal agency
and the State Historic Preservation Officer.
L
Land Use: Refers to how land and the structures (development) on it are used, i.e.,
commercial, residential, retail, industrial, etc.
Lead Agency: A state or federal agency taking primary responsibility for preparing an
engineering or environmental document.
Level of Service (LOS): A qualitative measure describing operational road (traffic)
conditions and the perception of motorists of the existing conditions. Six levels of service
are defined for each type of facility, ranging from A to F, with level of service A
representing the best operating conditions and level of service F the worst.
Local Planning Agency (LPA): Any other state agency, local political subdivision,
board, commission, or other governmental entity identified under paragraph C of Section
5501.03 of the Ohio Revised Code as being eligible for assuming the administrative
responsibilities for Ohio Department of Transportation improvement projects.
Local Street: A class of street intended solely for access to adjacent properties.
Location Map: A graphic drawing used in study reports and meeting presentations to
show the orientation and the relationship of the project with its project area in
comparison with existing roadways, features, developments, municipalities, and principal
land uses nearby. The graphic typically will be large enough to show all major roadways,
major cities, and principal topographic controls in the region.
Logical Termini: Connecting points with known features (land uses, economic areas,
population concentrations, cross route locations, etc.) at either end of a proposed
transportation route that enhance good planning and which serve to make the route


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usable. Logical termini are considered rational end points for a transportation
improvement.
Long Range: In transportation planning, refers to a time span of more that five years. A
long-range plan typically covers a 20-year time span.
M
Mapping: A plan surface with graphic or photographic representation of land or water
depicting the project area for a project. Existing alignments, alternatives, engineering
design features, and environmental constraints are plotted on various types of mapping.
Photogrammetric (aerial) mapping assists in resource identification and studies.
Topographic (base) mapping provides a foundation in alignment layout. Property tax
maps and traffic data maps also are consulted in the transportation development
process. The type and scale of mapping are selected to fit the terrain and land use
intensity of the project area as well as the level of detail in the proposed design.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): In urbanized areas, a federally-required
planning body responsible for planning, programming, and coordinating federal highway
and transit investments at the regional level. MPOs develop fiscally-constrained long-
range plans and shorter-range Transportation Improvement Programs, while ensuring
that the planned projects contribute to regional air quality goals and environmental
justice.
Mitigation Measures: Specific design commitments made during the environmental
evaluation and study process that serve to moderate or lessen impacts deriving from the
proposed action.
Mobility: The ability to move or be moved from place to place. Typically, mobility is the
ease with which movement can occur through a transportation system.
Mode, Intermodal, Multimodal: Form of transportation, such as automobile, transit,
bicycle and walking. Intermodal refers to the connections between modes and
multimodal refers to the availability of transportation options within a system or corridor.
Model: A set of mathematical formulas that represent the activity and the interactions
within a system so that the system may be evaluated according to various conditions:
land use, population, households and employment (socio-economic), transportation, or
others.
Multiple Use: The non-highway use of the airspace above or below the highway
gradeline between the horizontal highway right-of-way limits acquired by the highway
agency.
Multi-use Trail: Off-street paths for the exclusive use of non-vehicular modes such as
walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading. Often designed for recreational use, they
are intended to supplement the on-street bicycle network.

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N
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Federal standards that set
allowable concentrations and exposure limits for various air pollutants.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Passed in 1969, the federal legislation
requiring states to document the environmental impact of transportation projects. The
NEPA process is enforced by regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit: Mandated by
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of pollutants from a point source
into surface waters (including wetlands) for disposal purposes; intended to regulate the
amount of chemicals, heavy metals, and biological wastes discharged in wastewater.
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): The national list of districts, sites,
buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture,
archaeology, engineering, or culture. It is maintained by the Secretary of the Interior
under authority of Section 101(a)(1)(A) of the National Historic Preservation Act, as
amended.
National Register of Historic Places Criteria for Evaluation: The criteria used by the
National Park Service to evaluate the eligibility of properties for listing on the National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Navigable Waters of the United States: Navigable Waters of the United States are
those waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or are presently used, or
have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or
foreign commerce. A determination of navigability, once made, applies laterally over the
entire surface of the waterbody, and is not extinguished by later actions or events which
impede or destroy navigable capacity. 33 CFR 329.4.
Network: A graphic and/or mathematical representation of paths in a transportation
system.
Non-Attainment Areas: Metropolitan areas that do not meet national ambient air quality
standards for carbon monoxide and/or ozone pollution; ranked by the severity of their
problem as marginal, moderate, serious, severe or extreme. In accordance with the
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, these areas must take specific emission reduction
measures.
Notice of Intent: Announcement in the Federal Register advising interested parties that
an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared and circulated for a given project.
O
Open House: An informal, unstructured Public Meeting during which information
stations with exhibits convey important project information and Department of
Transportation and consultant personnel are available to answer the publics questions.


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Ordinary High Water (OHW): The ordinary high water mark is the elevation at which
US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction begins. The OHW mark is the line on the shore
established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as
an impressed natural line, shelving, a vegetation change or debris lines.
Ozone: A colorless gas with a sweet odor. Ozone is not a direct emission from
transportation sources but rather a secondary pollutant formed when hydrocarbons (HC)
and nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is associated
with smog or haze conditions. Although ozone in the upper atmosphere protects the
earth from harmful ultraviolet rays, ground level ozone produces an unhealthy
environment in which to live.
P
Particulate Matter (PM), (PM 10): Any material that exists as solid or liquid in the
atmosphere. Particulate matter may be in the form of fly ash, soot, dust, fog, fumes, etc.
Small particulate matter, or PM 10, is less than 10 microns in size and is too small to be
filtered by the nose and lungs.
Peak Hour: The 60-minute period during which the largest volume of travel is
experienced.
Person Trip: A one-way trip made for any purpose, by any (usually vehicular) travel
mode, by one person.
Planning Stage: First stage of the Transportation Development Process. Planning
involves the development of a Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan and
Metropolitan Areas Plan. This phase involves inventories, data collection,
problems/needs assessments, generating and comparing alternative plans, evaluating
the social, economic, and environmental impacts of proposed transportation actions with
a variety of public, agency, and citizen involvement groups, and selecting the preferred
plan for the state and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Plans: Technical drawings which show the location, character, and dimensions of
prescribed project work, including layouts, profiles, cross-sections and other details.
Programming: A general term to refer to a series of activities carried out by the
Department of Transportation, including data assessment, appraisal of identified
planning needs and consideration of available or anticipated fiscal resources to result in
the drawing up, scheduling and planning.
Programmatic Agreement (PA): see Agreements (Programmatic)
Project Area: see Study Area

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Public Authority: A federal, state, county, town, or township, Indian tribe, municipal or
other local government or instrumentality with authority to finance, build, operate, or
maintain toll or toll free transportation facilities.
Public Hearing: A meeting designed to afford the public the fullest opportunity to
express support of, opposition to, or comment on a transportation project.
Documentation is required and comment from the public go into the public record.
Format for Public Hearings are not question-and-answer format and is governed by rules
ordering who speaks when and for what duration. Public Hearings are overseen by a
hearing official.
Public Involvement: Coordination events and informational materials geared toward
public participation in the Transportation Development Process.
Public Meeting: An announced meeting conducted by transportation officials designed
to facilitate public participation in the decision-making process and to assist the public in
gaining an informed view of a proposed project during the Transportation Development
Process. A Public Meeting is generally informal and a question-and-answer format and
is a discussion between interested parties. Comments do not go into the public record.
Public Meeting formats are open discussion with a moderator to keep comments
focused and to ensure everyone has a change to ask his/her question.
Public Participation: The active and meaningful involvement of the public in the
development of transportation plans and improvement programs. Federal transportation
legislation and regulations require that state departments of transportation proactively
seek the involvement of all interested parties, including those traditionally under-served
by the current transportation system.
Public Road: Any road or street under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public
authority and open to public traffic.
Q
Qualitative Analysis: A general concept, which categorizes a process used in certain
types of environmental or route location studies where multiple factors are compared in
a systematic and comprehensive manner on the basis of sound judgment. Factors
analyzed by using a qualitative analysis are such that they cannot be measured in
monetary terms, have no apparent common denominators, and are not readily
quantifiable.
Quantitative Analysis: The process used in certain environmental, economic, cost-
benefit, engineering, or traffic studies where multiple factors, elements, and/or outcomes
are evaluated and compared by the use of measurable data. Certain mathematical
models, formulas, numerical indices, rankings, and value matrices may be used to assist
with such a process.


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R
Record of Decision (ROD): A document prepared by the Division office of the Federal
Highway Administration that presents the basis for selecting and approving a specific
transportation proposal that has been evaluated through the various environmental and
engineering studies. Typically, the ROD identifies the alternative selected in the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), the alternatives considered, measures to
minimize harm, monitoring or enforcement programs, and an itemized list of
commitments and mitigation measures.
Region: An entire metropolitan area including designated urban and rural sub-regions.
Regulatory Agency: An agency empowered to issue permits or recommend approval or
denial of a permit or action.
Retractile Bridge: Retractile bridges are probably the least common of all movable
bridges and are generally used for shorter spans. Center spans of the bridge deck are
rolled or pulled backwards to provide an opening for vessels in the navigation channel.
Right-of-Way (ROW): Usually that land owned by or under the direct control of a
transportation system and on which its users operate. The ROW area typically includes
travel lanes, shoulders, curb and gutter, sidewalks, landscaping, and space for utilities.
S
Scope: The range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be considered in an
environmental impact statement.
Secondary Impacts: A general term to define impacts which are caused by a specific
action and which take place later in time or further removed in distance but are still
reasonably foreseeable. Also see Indirect Effects.
Section 106 Procedures: Procedures based on Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 which govern the identification, evaluation, and protection of
historical and archaeological resources affected by state and federal transportation
projects. Principal areas identified include required evaluations to determine the
presence or absence of sites, the eligibility based on National Register of Historic Places
criteria and the significance of the effect of a proposed project upon such a site.
Section 401 Water Quality Certification: Required by Section 401 of the federal Clean
Water Act for projects involving the discharge of materials into surface waters, including
wetlands. The applicant must demonstrate that activities will comply with water quality
standards and other provisions of federal and state law and regulations regarding
conventional and nonconventional pollutants, new source performance standards, and
toxic pollutants.

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Section 404 Permit: A permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to
authorize the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States
pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Section 4(f) Resources: Publicly owned parks, recreation lands, wildlife/waterfowl
refuges, and historic sites that are listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register
of Historic Places (NRHP).
Section 4(f) Determination: Administrative action by which the Federal Highway
Administration confirms that, on the basis of extensive studies and analysis, there are no
prudent and feasible alternatives to the taking of land from resources protected under
Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act, as amended.
Section 6(f): A provision in the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act that
protects public recreational properties developed or enhanced using federal funding
supplied to states or municipalities under the Act by requiring replacement of lands
converted to nonrecreational uses. Proposed transportation projects, which affect such
lands, require a study and an analysis of alternatives to serve as the basis for a Section
6(f) finding by the US Department of the Interior. Specific state legislation for any
proposed land transfer is also required in order to implement a Section 6(f) action.
Mitigation generally includes replacement of Section 6(f) land taken for a project.
Sensitive Receptor: An area of frequent human use (i.e. residential property, church,
school, library, hospital, park, hotel, motel, etc.).
Sensitive Species: Plant or animal species which are (1) federally listed or proposed
threatened or endangered species; (2) bird species protected under the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act; (3) species protected under state endangered species laws and regulations,
plant protection laws and regulations; fish and game codes, or species of special
concern listings and policies, or (4) species recognized by national, state, or local
environmental organizations (e.g. The Nature Conservancy).
Signed Bicycle Route: Preferred routes for cyclists along shared roadways, indicated
by signage. The routes are typically selected to connect cyclists to major destinations
and major bicycle facilities and direct cyclists to low traffic volume roads. In addition to
bicycle route signage, these routes may also be characterized by wider curbside travel
lanes and distinct pavement markings.
Significant Impacts: Any number of social, environmental, or economic effects or
influences that may result from the implementation of a transportation improvement;
classified as direct, secondary, or cumulative which significantly affect the human and
natural environments. The Federal Highway Administration mandates environmental
clearance documents based upon the significance of impacts. In most cases,
environmental impact statement projects involve significant impacts. Both context and
intensity as described in 40 CFR 1508.27 are important when determining significance.


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Sole Source Aquifer: As defined by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, a groundwater
source that represents the principle source of a water supply for a community or region
that, if contaminated, would create a significant hazard to public health.
Special Aquatic Sites: Those sites identified in accordance with 40 CFR 230 Subpart E
(i.e. sanctuaries and refuges, wetlands, mud flats, vegetated shallows, coral reefs, and
riffle and pool complexes). They are geographic areas, large or small, possessing
special ecological characteristics of productivity, habitat, wildlife protection, or other
important and easily disrupted ecological values. These areas are generally recognized
as significantly influencing or positively contributing to the general overall environmental
health or vitality of the entire ecosystem of a region.
Spot Improvements: Localized, discrete modifications to a transportation facility.
These minor improvements can be achieved through ongoing maintenance or
inexpensive capital changes.
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO): The official appointed or designated
pursuant to Section 101(b)(1) of the National Historic Preservation Act to administer the
State historic preservation program. The SHPO consults with state and federal agencies
during the Section 106 process review. The SHPO administers the national historic
preservation program at the State level, reviews National Register nominations, and
maintains file data on historic properties that have been identified but not yet nominated.
Agencies seek the view of the SHPO in the identification of historic properties and the
assessment of the effects of a project on historic properties.
State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP): A staged, multi-year statewide,
intermodal program of transportation projects which is consistent with the statewide
transportation plan and planning processes, metropolitan plans, Transportation
Improvement Plans and processes.
Streetscape: The various hardscape and landscape elements that comprise the visual
character of a street. These typically include street trees, streetlights, sidewalks, paving
treatments, utilities, and street furniture. Within the roadway, these include curb, gutter,
parking lanes, travel lanes, crosswalks, and medians.
Study Area: A geographic area selected and defined at the outset of engineering and
environmental evaluations which is sufficiently adequate in size to address all pertinent
project matters occurring within it.
Swing Span Bridge: The swing bridge is a movable bridge that opens by revolving
about a vertical axis. It consists of two spans supported on a central pivot pier, similar to
the existing Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

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T
Transcript: A typewritten record, usually prepared by a certified stenographer, providing
a verbatim account of the official proceedings that take place at all Public Hearings and
some Public Meetings.
Transit: Generally refers to passenger service provided to the general public along
established routes with fixed or variable schedules at published fares. Related terms
include public transit, mass transit, public transportation or paratransit. Transit modes
include commuter rail, heavy or light transit, bus, or other vehicles designated for
commercial transportation of non-related persons.
Transportation (or Travel) Demand Management (TDM): Strategies and collective
efforts designed to achieve reductions in vehicular travel demand. In general, TDM does
not require major capital improvements. It includes ridesharing, land use policies,
employer-based measures, and pricing/subsidy policies.
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): A document prepared by metropolitan
planning organizations listing projects to be funded with Federal Highway Administration
and Federal Transit Administration funds for the next one to three-year period.
Transportation Management Area (TMA): Defined in federal transportation legislation
as any urbanized area over 200,000 population. Within a TMA, all transportation plans
and programs must be based on a continuing and comprehensive planning process
carried out by the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) in cooperation with state(s)
and transit operators.
Transportation System Management (TSM): That part of the urban transportation
planning process undertaken to improve the efficiency of the existing transportation
system. The intent is to make better use of the existing transportation system by using
short-term, low-capital-cost transportation improvements that generally cost less and can
be implemented more quickly than system development actions.
Travel Time: Customarily calculated as the time it takes to travel from door to door. In
transportation planning, the measures of travel time include time spent accessing,
waiting, and transferring between vehicles as well as time spent traveling.
U
US Department of Transportation (DOT): The principal direct federal funding and
regulating agency for transportation facilities and programs. Federal Highway
Administration and Federal Transit Administration are units of the United States
Department of Transportation.
Urbanized Area: An area that contains a city of 50,000 or more population plus
incorporated surrounding areas meeting set size or density criteria.


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Urban Diamond Interchange: A connection between two roadways provided by one-
way diagonal ramps in each quadrant. The connection to the major highway is free-
flowing and the connection at the crossroad is typically signalized.
Urban Principal Arterial: A type of arterial that provides a high degree of mobility for a
long trip length. These types of streets typically have at-grade intersections with no
access control other than traffic signals.
V
Vehicle Hours of Travel (VHT): The sum of time all vehicles spend traveling, calculated
most typically over a 24-hour period. This statistic is most commonly summed over
some area such as a county, but can also be calculated for specific routes or trip
purposes like work.
Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT): A standard area-wide measure of travel activity. The
most conventional VMT calculation is to multiply the average length of trip by the total
number of trips.
Volume-to-Capacity (V/C): The number of vehicles that travel on a road divided by the
theoretical capacity of the road. Actual road capacity depends on a wide variety of
factors such as lane width, pavement condition, total number of lanes, weather
conditions, and more.
W
Waters of the United States: Water bodies subject to US Army Corps of Engineers
jurisdiction. They include all interstate and intrastate waters such as lakes, rivers,
streams (including intermittent streams) and wetlands.
Wetlands: Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do
support, a prevalence or vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.
Z
Zone: The smallest geographically designated area for analysis of transportation
activity. A zone typically ranges in size from one to 10 square miles. Average zone size
depends on total size of project area.

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